Plans for improving local cancer services and developing Withybush Hospital’s Ward 10 were shared with key stakeholders at an engagement event last week.

As well as building a new Chemotherapy Day Unit in Withybush Hospital, plans for a new Palliative Care, Haematology and Oncology Unit (currently known as Ward 10) continue to move forward as part of a proposed multi-million pound development.

The development of the proposed new unit, which is subject to more engagement and approval of a business case, will provide a modern, purpose-built inpatient facility for patients admitted to Withybush Hospital’s Ward 10, enabling specialist palliative care, oncology and haematology services for our local population. Plans were discussed at the well-attended event, which also gave stakeholders an opportunity to share their views about the development and hear about the next steps.

As part of the event, Elly Neville was presented with an award by Hywel Dda University Health Board in recognition of her fantastic fundraising achievements, raising over £18,000 to date for Ward 10.

Elly’s father, Lyn Neville, said: “I feel privileged to be part of the Ward 10 group working to bring ever-improving cancer services to the people of Pembrokeshire. Ward 10 and its staff have played a big part in my family’s life and so we are thrilled that Elly’s fundraising efforts continue to be so successful.

“As ‘Team Elly’, we are really happy to be involved in the project for the proposed Palliative Care, Haematology and Oncology Unit (currently known as Ward 10) and we have just agreed the first purchase for the ward of an enhanced standing aid from Elly’s Fund. Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged us with Elly’s Flag and we will continue to do our best to support the project in the future.”

Deputy CEO and director of operations for Hywel Dda University Health Board, Joe Teape, said: “Congratulations to Elly for her efforts with her wonderful Ward 10 Flag Appeal! We are truly grateful to all of our fundraisers for their continued support and commitment to improving cancer services in Pembrokeshire and we look forward to developing a brighter future together.”

The Health Board is working with patients, relatives and carers, staff, local charities and fundraisers to improve cancer services locally. Regular communication and engagement activities are underway, including a survey of Ward 10 patients, their families and carers, co-ordinated by the Community Health Council, focusing on the patient environment and experience.

For more information about the development and its progress, visit http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/862/page/86137.

Funds held to date for the Ward 10 development amount to over £319,000 by the University Health Board’s Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Funds and Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal. The University Health Board is preparing a submission to Welsh Government for the rest of the funding required for the development.

If you would like to find out more about Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal or make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/Ward10Flag.